Latest news with #Molby
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Liverpool legend Jan Molby looks back on the Reds' last title win in front of fans as Anfield prepares to toast Premier League glory and jokes: 'I'd have celebrated 1990 more had I known the wait would be so long!'
Jan Molby is a Liverpool legend, who won three league titles and two FA Cups during a glittering 12-year career. His pinpoint passing, nerveless penalty-taking and ability to score spectacular goals made him a fans' favourite in a team of all-stars. He was on the pitch on April 28, 1990 — the last time the Reds became champions in front of an Anfield crowd. Molby, now 61 and a respected pundit in his native Denmark, has provided Mail Sport with a personal account of a day that seemed like any other — but turned out to be anything but. It was a unique season. Looking back, it's almost incredible to think people just expected us to win the title. We had always been very good at bouncing back. When Everton won titles in 1985 and 1987, we took it straight back off them and everyone felt we would do the same to Arsenal, champions in 1989. But we had an up-and-down start. There was the iconic 9-0 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield in September but we dropped silly points and the lowest part of the season came when we went back to Hillsborough in late November, to face Sheffield Wednesday. Isn't it amazing, looking back, how nobody felt it was unusual we were having to play at that stadium after what happened seven months earlier? It was cold, miserable and we all remembered things we didn't want to remember. It was the only time I felt we would lose before kick-off. We got beaten 2-0. Even though we were top of the league, we knew we had to get our act together and we certainly did. I didn't play my best but I do remember 1989-90 for being notable as I scored the only header in my career, when we beat Wednesday 2-1 at Anfield on Boxing Day. The star man was John Barnes. It felt like he was unstoppable, that you could give him the ball and he'd do the rest. He scored in all the big contests and eventually we moved clear, Ronny Rosenthal's late cameo of seven goals in eight games really helping. Aston Villa were never quite able to mount a true challenge and we got the job done against QPR, Barnesy's penalty giving us a 2-1 win. I've heard it said the celebrations were low-key, almost quite cold, but these stories have become distorted. Yes, we were used to winning but the elation of getting a medal is impossible to describe. No, we didn't dance around the pitch but sitting in the dressing room with a beer, looking at the medal you have earned, is the greatest satisfaction you can get in sport. That is what it is all about, the medal. When this squad are presented with theirs, they will have the same thought as we did then: 'You know what — we've done well here.' I remember Alan Hansen, who was winning his eighth title, Ronnie Whelan (sixth) and Ian Rush (fifth) smiling as if it was their first. Some people have asked why we didn't make more of things. Should we have stayed on the pitch longer after beating QPR and, again, when we were presented with the trophy the night we beat Derby 1-0? Maybe. If we'd been able to see into the future, I'm sure we would have. But we did what was expected at the time. Some of us went to the Moat House, a hotel we used by the waterfront, for a meal; others went home. It was all very calm but it was nothing that we took for granted. As it was, it was the moment that all good things started coming to an end. I was fortunate, through my job, to be in the stadium in 2020 when Liverpool got the trophy but the whole Covid experience was strange. This afternoon will be all about raw emotion and everything that comes with an incredible sporting achievement. It's a huge moment and I'm thrilled for Virgil van Dijk. He embodies Liverpool — I don't see another player as important in Europe. He'd have fitted in well with our group. He's a winner and he'll appreciate the value of this medal.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jan Molby Predicts Fireworks as Liverpool Host Spurs
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Title Within Reach but Spurs Stand in the Way Liverpool's next Premier League fixture brings with it more than just three points — it brings the chance to clinch the title at Anfield. On the latest Molby On The Spot podcast, Jan Molby sat down with Trev Downey to preview what could be a season-defining clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and the legendary Dane didn't hold back in assessing the challenge Ange Postecoglou's side could pose. Tactical Caution Despite Spurs' Inconsistencies While Spurs have had an up-and-down season, Molby was quick to warn against any complacency. 'They've got plenty of players who can hurt you,' he said, namechecking Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Son Heung-min. 'If you're at it from the first minute, you win four or five. But if you offer a little bit, allow them to play at their tempo, it's going to be tricky.' Advertisement He pointed out that although Tottenham have struggled with form, the talent in their squad still demands respect — especially in high-stakes games like this. 'We've seen the spotty, cocky football they can play. It's been a long time, but I think he [Postecoglou] believes it's in there somewhere.' Postecoglou's Selection Dilemma Spurs' congested fixture list adds another layer of unpredictability. With a Europa League semi-final against Bodø/Glimt looming, Molby believes the Australian manager is likely to rotate. 'He made five changes from the last Europa League game for Forest. I think he'll make changes again on Sunday.' However, Molby emphasised that returning players still need to find form: 'It's all very good having them back, but they need to play. So I can actually see him going strong for an hour.' Advertisement What makes this Spurs side dangerous isn't just individual quality, but a point to prove. 'Even if they win the Europa League, I can't see how he survives at Spurs. But going to Anfield is still something unique. He'll want to go there and give it a real go.' Reds Must Be Ruthless Early Molby returned to a message ingrained in Liverpool's identity during his playing days. 'Start quick and you can always go quicker. Start slow and you're in trouble,' he said, echoing Ronnie Moran's famous words. He painted a scenario all too familiar this season — Liverpool dominating a match in patches but failing to kill it early. 'We have moments because we're better than most teams. But we don't get there in terms of a full 90-minute performance. Mainly because we don't have to.' Advertisement That approach won't suffice on Sunday. With the title in sight, the atmosphere inside Anfield will be expectant. 'The fans are desperate to win it at home. Nobody wants to take 3,000 to Stamford Bridge and win it there.' Prediction: Expect Goals, Expect Drama When asked for a final prediction, Molby didn't hesitate. 'I think we're going to win. I actually think it could be quite a bit of a game — I'm going Liverpool three, Spurs two.' It's a fitting scoreline for what could be a defining day in Liverpool's season. But as Molby noted, nothing will come easy against a Spurs side that, even in their current form, carries enough threat to spoil the party — if Liverpool let them.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool's New No.9? Molby Talks Isak, Alvarez and Summer Plans
Liverpool Eyeing Isak and Alvarez as Molby Breaks Down Summer Strategy Trent's Silence Speaks Volumes On the latest Molby on the Spot podcast, Jan Molby and Trev Downey tackled the most pressing topic of Liverpool's title-chasing week: Trent Alexander-Arnold's future. After a pivotal goal and return to form, questions remain about whether the local lad will commit his long-term future to Anfield. Molby didn't hold back: 'I'm still where I've been for a long time, Trevor – and that is that Trent's joined Real Madrid.' The Dane referenced the post-match interview that stirred speculation, noting, 'There was an opportunity there for him to give a little bit of hope… he didn't. To me, that just says it all.' Advertisement While some fans cling to the image of Trent celebrating with passion, Molby cautioned, 'When he scored, he looked like someone who just scored a very important goal for the club he still plays for. Nothing more.' Summer of Strikers: Isak, Alvarez in Focus Attention turned quickly to the summer ahead, with Molby outlining Liverpool's need to refresh their forward line. 'If we get money from Saudi Arabia for Darwin Núñez,' Molby said, 'that would enable us to bid for Alexander Isak.' Newcastle's need to balance books could see them open to upfront offers, making Isak a feasible target. Molby was emphatic about the Swede's credentials: 'If you buy Alexander Isak, he does it all. Goal-scorer, link player, creator – he's the full package.' Advertisement But Molby didn't stop there. When Trev Downey floated Julian Alvarez as an alternative, Molby lit up: 'I would drive to Madrid and pick him up. He's another terrific footballer.' While Alvarez offers a different profile – 'not really that sort of threat in behind' – Molby admired his 'great shot from distance' and 'durability.' Wages, Roles and Realism Discussing other names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyökeres, Molby dismissed them as less suitable. Osimhen's wage demands are an issue: 'That boy is going to cost you 300 grand a week… and I think Liverpool want to avoid that at all costs.' As for Gyökeres, 'I don't know whether he's technically good enough for the Premier League.' For Molby, the fit matters as much as the fee: 'Liverpool can't have big-money signings sitting next to the manager. The money has to be on the pitch.' Building a New Core for Slot Molby made it clear that this is a pivotal moment. 'This is the summer where we build that new super team… we buy for the starting XI.' He predicts a blend of 'one, two or three' elite additions along with developmental talent. His message was unmistakable: 'The club understands now is the time for bricks to be put in place for the next five or six years.'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Molby Previews Leicester vs Liverpool: 'They don't have a squad that can defend'
Molby Previews Leicester vs Liverpool: 'They don't have a squad that can defend' Leicester vs Liverpool Preview: Jan Molby Predicts 2-0 Reds Victory Focus Sharpens as Liverpool Close in on the Title As Liverpool edge closer to securing the Premier League title, Jan Molby and Trev Downey took time on the latest Molby On The Spot podcast (Anfield Index) to preview Sunday's crucial clash away at Leicester City. With just two wins needed to wrap up the league, Molby was confident—but not complacent. Advertisement 'They don't score many goals, Leicester,' Molby observed. 'I think it'll be Leicester City 0-2 Liverpool.' It's the sort of pragmatic, quietly confident prediction that fits the tone of Liverpool's late-season momentum under Arne Slot. The Reds, who have dropped points rarely this campaign, will approach the match knowing that any slip-up could still open the door to their rivals. Leicester's Struggles: 'A Tale of Doom' Molby was clear in his assessment of Leicester's season: 'It's been a tale of doom.' Sitting at the bottom of the table on just 18 points, Leicester look like a club in freefall. Downey, running through their recent results, pointed out the depth of their issues: 'They've had some dubious results… beaten by Newcastle, United, Chelsea, West Ham. It's not been a good year in any way, shape or form.' Advertisement Molby added, 'They don't have a squad that can defend. That Leicester team wasn't built for a relegation fight—it was built to play possession football. And then they brought in Steve Cooper, a defensive manager. That was always going to be trouble.' Liverpool's Mindset: Eyes on the Prize Despite Leicester's form, Molby was adamant Liverpool couldn't afford to take anything for granted. 'You do fight to the end,' he said of Leicester. 'It's the most demoralising thing in the world to be relegated. For as long as you can delay it, you do.' But he doesn't believe Liverpool will get dragged into any chaos. 'I can't see us starting to run up four or fives,' Molby said. 'I think it'll be professional. 2-0.' Advertisement Downey agreed, noting the strength of Liverpool's mentality: 'It's a super position to be in. Two wins and it's done. It's all there now.' The Bigger Picture Beyond the Leicester match itself, the tone of the podcast made it clear: Liverpool have learned from past near-misses. The emphasis from Molby was not on flair but on finishing the job. 'I know you've said it before,' said Downey, 'you feel like it's a job that should get done.' Molby nodded to the pressures of past seasons but stressed Liverpool now have the experience to handle the run-in. Leicester might still be scrapping, but Liverpool are in control.
New York Times
10-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Analysing Mohamed Salah's penalty technique with Liverpool's most prolific spot-kick artist
Two clinically dispatched penalties from Mohamed Salah against Southampton edged Liverpool closer to title glory. The prolific Egyptian forward, who is the runaway leader in pursuit of the Golden Boot with 27 league goals, moved joint-fifth with Sergio Aguero (184) in the all-time list of Premier League scorers. He's just three behind fourth-placed Andrew Cole. Advertisement Salah has netted 44 of his 52 spot kicks in all competitions for Liverpool (excluding shootouts), with a successful conversion rate of 84.6 per cent. He's closing in on Steven Gerrard's club record of 47 penalties. Gerrard took 57 in total, with a conversion rate of 82.5 per cent. Only one player in the club's history has taken 20 or more penalties and tucked them away at a higher rate than Salah. Jan Molby scored 42 out of a possible 45 (93.3 per cent) between 1985 and 1995. The former Danish midfielder was coolness personified from the spot and holds the club record of scoring 18 consecutive penalties. The Athletic sat down with Molby to rewatch all of Salah's spot kicks and analyse a technique which has served him so well. 'You don't want to sound arrogant but taking penalties never bothered me, and I think it's the same with Mo,' Molby says. 'He can't wait to step up. I don't think any doubt goes through his mind: 'Let's get this done'. It's about loving the responsibility that comes with it. 'There was only one penalty I ever gave a second thought to and that was Watford away in the sixth round of the FA Cup in 1986. We were losing 1-0 with four minutes to go and I knew if I missed, we'd be out. We ended up winning (2-1) after extra time. 'I'd only started taking them earlier that season. We were playing Tottenham at home and Phil Neal didn't want to take one because his great friend Ray Clemence was in goal for them. I put my hand up and the staff were happy to go with it. That's how it was in those days. 'Phil moved on soon after and I became the regular taker, but we never practised them. It was part of the game that relatively little attention was paid to. I must have given up 10 to 15 penalties when someone else said they fancied it. 'These days, if Mo is out there, he takes them whatever and there's a lot more psychology involved, with goalkeepers armed with information about where the penalty-taker usually goes. You've also got to handle much longer delays before a penalty is taken because of the VAR checks. In that context, scoring 44 out of 52 is really impressive.' Salah's favourite spot is the bottom right-hand corner as he's facing the goal. However, the graphic above shows that, over the years, he has kept keepers guessing by mixing things up. 'For a left-footer, that corner with the 20 per cent is what you call 'home',' Molby explains. 'For me, as a right-footer, it was the other corner and that's where I predominantly went for. Advertisement 'I always favoured going low as I felt that when you lift the ball, you increase the keeper's chances of saving it. But Mo hasn't been shy to put some elevation on it at times. If you look at all the 44 penalties he's scored, they cover almost the whole goal. Watching them all back, you can see there's a lot of variety.' Salah follows a trusted routine. Hands on hips facing the ball head on, he composes himself… … before taking a few steps to his right prior to starting his run up… As he approaches the ball and plants his right foot, he's not influenced by the movement of the goalkeeper. Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale went the right way for Salah's first penalty on Saturday but was beaten by both the power and the height on the ball. 'It's so smooth and he's definitely got better at them over time,' Molby says. 'He stands there psyching himself up to take it and visualising what he's going to do. The run-up is always the same. It comes in at a real angle. The only thing that changes is where he decides to put the ball. It's important to give as little away as possible and he's become very good at disguising where it's going.' Ramsdale dived the same way for Salah's second penalty on Saturday but the ball was firmly dispatched. It means that Salah has converted his last 10 spot kicks in the Premier League. His only failure in his last 14 penalties in all competitions was against Real Madrid in the Champions League in November — a game Liverpool still won 2-0. Having missed six of his first 31 penalties for the club, the 32-year-old has missed with just two of his last 21. Against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, he opted to clip the ball down the centre of the goal… When Manchester City were beaten at Anfield in December, Salah went hard and low into his favoured bottom corner. 'What jumps out at me is that there's no eye contact with the keeper with any of these,' Molby says. 'That's where we're very different. I never picked my spot in advance. More often than not, I'd wait for the goalkeeper. I'd be watching his legs and where his weight was going as I approached the ball. If I wasn't too sure, then I just went 'home' — bottom left as I'm facing the goal. Advertisement 'When I broke my foot twice in 1987-88, John Aldridge took over as our penalty-taker and he was superb at them (Aldridge scored 17 out of 18, with his only miss coming in the 1988 FA Cup final defeat to Wimbledon). Aldo was the first I saw with that stuttering run-up. 'In the modern game, players like Ivan Toney or Bruno Fernandes almost always take their cue from the goalkeeper. But I don't think the 'keeper is that important to Mo. He pays no attention to them. His mind is already made up about where it's going. He just concentrates on two things: the ball and the goal.' The last penalty Salah missed in the Premier League was in January 2024 when Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka saved this effort at Anfield. Liverpool went on to win 4-2, with Salah making amends with a second spot kick late on. 'There, the goalkeeper has gambled by not diving early, taking a chance that it's one he can reach and it paid off,' Molby explains. 'Sometimes, when you go for power as a taker, you can lose a bit of control.' Everton's Jordan Pickford tried a similar approach in October 2023 but Salah dispatched it past him with ease. Salah's only real dip in terms of converting penalties during his Liverpool career came between March and August in 2023 when he missed three out of five, although one of those saw him tuck away the rebound in a 3-1 home win over Bournemouth. During a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal in April 2023, he fired wide of the post. It's one of the three penalties Salah has taken for Liverpool which have failed to hit the target — and they have all been missed to the goalkeeper's right. 'I was lucky enough to play a full season with Johan Cruyff (for Ajax in the early 1980s) and we talked about everything, including penalties,' Molby says. 'He actually never liked left-footed penalty takers as he thought they were too easy to read, too predictable. He said that if they tried to open up their body and go the other way — to the keeper's right — they had a tendency to over-compensate. That one against Arsenal is very similar to Mo's one against Real Madrid earlier this season at Anfield that flew wide. It's why he usually favours the other corner. 'Even now, the three penalties I had saved for Liverpool annoy me, especially the one against Dave Beasant when we beat Chelsea 5-2 (in December 1989). I scored 18 in a row before that game and 18 in a row after. Imagine scoring 37 consecutive penalties… 'I'm sure Mo uses that rare feeling of missing to drive him on. We're talking about someone who has scored a penalty in a Champions League final (against Tottenham in 2019). He loves stepping up and delivering in high-pressure situations.' Salah has certainly done that repeatedly this season. With 32 goals and 22 assists in 41 games in all competitions, he's rewriting the Anfield record books. His penalties alone have helped secure hard-fought league wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers (twice), Chelsea, Southampton (twice), Manchester City and Bournemouth as Arne Slot's side have marched relentlessly towards the title. Advertisement Now he's got Paris Saint-Germain in his sights as Liverpool go into Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg clash at Anfield with a 1-0 advantage. 'Looking back at all the ones he's taken for Liverpool, you can see how he's evolved as a penalty-taker,' Molby adds. 'With some of the early ones, he appears a little nervous. You think he's not quite sure what to do, so he just puts his laces through it. 'That's not the case anymore. There's such a confidence to how he takes them. He's so clear about what he's going to do with it. When Mo steps up these days, you're more convinced than ever that it will hit the back of the net.'
